Newsletter

City to tackle Willoughby District, AJ Mine

The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly will take what may be a final look at the Willoughby District Land Use Plan today before it sends it forward.

The Assembly Committee of the Whole meets in a work session at 6 p.m. in the Assembly chambers. It will begin with a report on an updated Willoughby District plan, being recommended for approval to begin the public comment phase.

One addition is being proposed to the Assembly, which includes a recommendation in the plan to include a district heat or energy project. It calls for $60,000 for a feasibility study.

One of the ideas behind the facility is that city, state and federal entities, Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska and Alaska Electric Light & Power could share the costs of the project and provide for sustainable energy in the Willoughby District and beyond. The recommendation also notes that this location would provide energy in a non-avalanche zone.

The entire plan is being drafted to help shape the evolving Willoughby District, which is slated to have significant redevelopment over the next 20 years, starting with the massive State Library Archives Museum project.

The COW also will get its hands on the AJ Mine Advisory Committee report and hear from city engineer Rorie Watt and committee chairwoman Donna Pierce.